The two artists collaborated for the first time on the project with the aim to help activate public space. First, they cut triangular shapes directly into the thick existing poster layers. Then they peeled back those layers, wrapping the outside edge of the cut-out posters back into the pole to form the cones.

Only staples were needed to hold the cones in place and support the soil and flowers planted, with some cones needing extra poster paper wheat-pasted onto the underside. All of the cones have an aeration hole at the bottom and are placed in a corkscrew patter that allows water to flow from one plant to the next.

Sean and Eric welcome their pocket plant design being used by others, so long as it isn’t for profit. Although not meant to last, they have already noticed that someone has been adding flowers to at least one of the planters, while several other planters have been stolen from their pole.

Keep your eye out for more of these projects springing up around the city, since the two collaborators plan to install more “urban hacks” in the near future. Sean and Eric would also appreciate any advice from other gardeners (guerrilla or not) regarding what kinds of plants would be best to grow and survive the longest in these types of urban settings.

Excellent idea to bring new life to Toronto’s smoggy sidewalks. Ideal plants for this situation would be sedums. These are hardy little succulent plants that can withstand almost anything – especially drought. They are a staple plant used in rock gardens and city greenroofs. Also try Sempervivums (aka Hens and Chicks). Oh! and perhaps some native grasses – that would look fun too.
Thanks you two.
Happy planting